These days the big teams all want to win a trophy and there are few opportunities. So credit to Southampton for making it to a final. They have impressed me by simply reaching it.

Jose Mourinho’s United side are winners, but Southampton’s new signing Manolo Gabbiadini looks a little bit special. He’s already scored three goals in two games and has very good movement off the ball, which has surprised me.

United’s defence has been solid recently. Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly — who was sent off against Saint-Etienne — will have to be on it because Gabbiadini’s movement is so special. He will find space.

Manolo Gabbiadini has made an impressive start for Southampton following his January move

Manchester United defenders Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling will need to keep home quiet

REDMOND CREATES OPPORTUNITIES

Nathan Redmond has also been an exceptional purchase for Southampton and there are opportunities with the attacker in the team.

I watched him for the Under 21s a few years ago and it was clear that he and Tom Ince were the best two in the side.

Fair play to him, too, because he was at Norwich, who were relegated last season, but has managed to improve his game.

Nathan Redmond scored against Liverpool at Anfield to help his side reach the Wembley final

SAINTS RECRUIT WELL

Southampton’s recruitment tends to be right.

Every season they lose key players and they regularly lose managers too, as with Ronald Koeman in the summer. But every season they push on a little bit further.

WILL HISTORY REPEAT ITSELF?

I would not underestimate Southampton. At Arsenal we beat them in the 2003 FA Cup final but there was stubborn resistance there.

They beat Manchester United in the FA Cup final in 1976 so I wonder whether history will repeat itself.

The Southampton players celebrate after beating Manchester United to win the FA Cup in 1976

WATCH OUT FOR ZLATAN

The problem for Southampton could be at the back, where Virgil van Dijk is not playing and Jack Stephens has come in alongside Maya Yoshida.

They face being exploited by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will be keen to set out his stall early in the final.